The Czechs are expected to be led by Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek, who helped beat Spain in the Davis Cup final in November. Federer does not always play in the early rounds of the Davis Cup. The first round comes the week after the end of the Australian Open.

Berdych beat Federer in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open in September and the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 2010.